SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Augustana men's basketball team makes its debut at the Sanford Pentagon Friday night with a 7 p.m. tip in exhibition action against Concordia College. The debut is the first game with the arena as the Vikings' new home floor.
 
The Game
Fans will get a taste of what is to come throughout the season in unofficial action. The game does not count in the standings but everything will be real. For parking questions, click here.
 
The contest has also been designated as a game "Honoring Sanford Health & a Legacy of Leadership". In addition, the 2019 NSIC Champion Augustana baseball team will be recognized at halftime. Air Force and Afghanistan War Veteran Mark J. Lindquist will be performing the national anthem.
 
The Cobbers
It's the debut (unofficially) for Concordia College. The Cobbers went 7-18 overall last season but saw a 6-14 mark in Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Action. Bryden Urie topped Concordia with 11.6 points per game a season ago. Tommy Schyma also reached double digits with 10.5 points per game. Following tonight's exhibition, the Cobbers open their regular season next Friday hosting Minnesota-Morris.
 
The Vikings
Augustana rolled in its exhibition debut last Sunday over Cornell College, 110-61. Matt Cartwright led the way with 21 points while Michael Schaefer and Matt Todd added 16 and 14 points, respectively. The Vikings shot nearly 60 percent from the field and hit 44.4 percent of their 3-point shot attempts.
 
Seeing Cartwright lead the way was no surprise after he led Augie with 16 points per game a season ago. Todd, a transfer from Highland Community College, made his (unofficial) Vikings debut with 19 minutes and went 6-of-10 from the field for his 14 points.
 
Augustana, the reigning NSIC South Division Champions, was tabbed second in the preseason coaches' poll.
 
The Series
The two squads haven't battled since 1973, but that meeting was the third-straight win for Augustana. However, the series lead is held by the Cobbers at 4-3. The first contest was held in 1929.
 
One Last Thing
Although it has not officially been Augie's home floor, the Pentagon has served the Vikings well over the years. Augustana holds an overall record of 14-7 in the building including the Central Region Championship during the 2016 National Championship season.